First Lady Kim Hye-kyung Encourages K-Classic Musicians in Brussels: "Looking Forward to Even Greater Success on the Global Stage"

Encouraging Students and Host Families in Brussels:
"Music Has the Power to Connect People Beyond Borders"
Highlighting Cultural Exchange on the 125th Anniversary of Korea-Belgium Diplomatic Relations

First Lady Kim Hye-kyung, who is visiting Belgium with President Lee Jae-myung, met and encouraged the next generation of K-Classic musicians active on the world stage in Brussels on June 10 (local time). This roundtable, held to mark the 125th anniversary of diplomatic relations between Korea and Belgium this year, was organized to highlight the achievements of young Korean musicians who are making a mark on Europe's classical music scene, including the Queen Elisabeth Competition, and to reaffirm the significance of cultural and artistic exchange.

President Lee Jaemyung and First Lady Kim Hyekyung, who are visiting Belgium, are greeting attendees as they enter the 'K-Classic Conversation with Musicians' event held at the Korean Embassy in Brussels on June 10, 2026 (local time). Photo by Yonhap News

According to Deputy Spokesperson Ahn Gwi-ryeong of the Office of the President, Kim held a roundtable with next-generation K-Classic musicians at the Residence of the Korean Ambassador to Belgium in Brussels. Belgium is recognized as a powerhouse in classical music, hosting the globally renowned Queen Elisabeth Competition under royal patronage, and in recent years, young Korean musicians have been achieving outstanding results on this stage. This year, cellist Kim Tae-yeon won second place at the competition.

Upon arriving at the ambassador's residence, Kim greeted local Korean students, cultural and arts professionals, as well as Kim Tae-yeon. Congratulating Kim on her award at the competition, Kim said, "Thank you for joining us despite your busy schedule ahead of your performance."

Prior to the roundtable, a performance organized by the attendees also took place. Musicians from various fields, including violin, cello, and vocal music, presented individual stages, and in particular, a reinterpreted performance of 'Arirang' showcased the beauty and originality of Korean culture. According to the Office of the President, Kim listened attentively to the performances and was deeply impressed by the talent and passion of the young musicians.

After the performance, Kim said, "There were several moments when I was moved to tears, but I held them back," and added, "Through today's performance, I could vividly feel the outstanding talent and passion of our young musicians." She went on to encourage them, saying, "I am extremely proud and reassured by all of you, who are raising Korea's profile on the global stage."

Kim also stated, "I am especially delighted and pleased to meet our musicians in Brussels in such a meaningful year, the 125th anniversary of diplomatic relations between Korea and Belgium. Every time I see our musicians performing on the global stage, I feel great pride not only as a pianist but also as a citizen of Korea."

The participants also shared their experiences and concerns about pursuing careers as musicians abroad. When asked about her thoughts on winning second place at the Queen Elisabeth Competition, Kim Tae-yeon responded, "Rather than being ambitious about the prize, I approached the competition with a sense of enjoyment, and I am grateful to have received such a great honor."

Professor Lim Jeong-bin of the Royal Conservatory of Brussels highly praised the diligence and sense of responsibility of Korean students. Lim said, "The diligence of Korean students is widely recognized here, and the sense of responsibility they demonstrate in all areas, from lessons and exams to performances, is second to none compared to students from any other country in the world." However, he also noted, "If Korean music education tends to focus somewhat on entrance exams, in Europe there is a greater emphasis on understanding and interpreting music." He called for continued support and interest from the Korean Cultural Center for Korean musicians in Europe.

Cellist Jo Ye-won said, "I chose to study abroad because I wanted to experience diverse cultures and interact with various artists," while baritone Jo Chan-hee commented, "Belgium's coexistence of different languages and cultures is a great advantage, as it allows one to develop an international perspective." Soprano Bae Ji-woo remarked, "Living in a foreign country sometimes brings realistic challenges such as loneliness or administrative procedures, but these experiences are also valuable for my growth as a musician."

President Lee Jae-myung and First Lady Kim Hye-kyung, who are visiting Belgium, are taking a commemorative photo with participants of the 'K-Classic Musicians Dialogue' at the Korean Embassy in Brussels on June 10, 2026 (local time). Photo by Yonhap News

After hearing their stories, Kim said, "Because music is a constant struggle with oneself, I can imagine how difficult it must be. Even so, I deeply respect all of you for not giving up and continuing on your chosen path." She added, "Seeing the rise of fandoms for K-Classic musicians and growing global interest is very moving to me."

Kim connected the strength of K-Culture with the efforts of young musicians. She said, "When I meet foreigners during overseas trips, they often ask where the power of K-pop, K-dramas, and K-beauty comes from. After meeting all of you today, I feel I understand the source of that strength."

Attending the event were the host families of Kim Tae-yeon and baritone Kim Tae-han, the 2023 Queen Elisabeth Competition winner. The competition's host families are local volunteers who provide participants with accommodation and practice space during the event, a long-standing tradition that helps musicians perform at their best in unfamiliar environments.

Kim also expressed her gratitude to the host families. She said, "Host families for the Queen Elisabeth Competition go beyond simple volunteering; their love for music helps nurture the dreams of young musicians, making it a beautiful cultural tradition. I extend my deepest respect to the host families who open their homes and become family to young musicians who have come to a foreign country."

Kim Tae-yeon's host family said, "The time we spent with Kim Tae-yeon was a very happy and special experience. Through music, we were able to understand each other's cultures and build friendships." Kim Tae-han's host family shared, "We are still in regular contact with Kim Tae-han. Through him, we have become much more familiar with Korean culture, and even now, we visit a Korean grocery store once a month to buy Korean foods like Chapagetti," drawing laughter from the attendees.

Kim remarked, "Just as it is said that it takes a whole village to raise a child, the process of nurturing a musician is the same. The dedication of the musician, as well as the support and encouragement from family, teachers, and neighbors who generously open their arms—these are the key contributors to today's K-Classic." She added, "Music has the power to connect people beyond borders and languages, and I hope our musicians will continue to perform brilliantly on the world stage with pride."

This content was produced with the assistance of AI translation services.